Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has broken the world record for the fastest half-century in women’s T20 international cricket, reaching the milestone in just 15 balls against Zimbabwe in Karachi.
The 24-year-old all-rounder produced a blistering unbeaten 62 off 19 deliveries at the National Bank Stadium, hitting 10 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 326.31. Her innings powered Pakistan to 223-4 before the hosts bowled Zimbabwe out for 90 in 17.1 overs, sealing a 133-run victory and a 3-0 series sweep.
Sana’s 15-ball fifty broke the previous women’s T20I record of 18 balls, jointly held by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and India’s Richa Ghosh. It was also the fastest T20I fifty by any Pakistan cricketer, surpassing the 18-ball mark set by Shoaib Malik in the men’s format.
Batting aggressively from her first ball, Sana immediately attacked Zimbabwe’s bowlers and transformed Pakistan’s innings in the closing stages. She was named player of the match after also taking a wicket with the ball.
The performance continued a strong run of form for Sana, who has grown into one of Pakistan’s most influential players since taking over the captaincy. Her improved batting has added depth to a side already building momentum ahead of major international tournaments.
Pakistan’s total of 223-4 was their second-highest score in women’s T20Is, behind the 237 they made earlier in the same series against Zimbabwe.
For Sana, the record was another landmark in a rising career. For Pakistan, the victory offered further evidence that their women’s team is developing greater power, confidence and depth under her leadership.
